The next Oscar host, Seth MacFarlane (Ted), should provide some unpredictable laughs and raunch while perhaps attracting a larger audience for ABC’s 85th Academy Awards telecast on Feb. 24, 2013. At least that’s what the Academy and its producers (Craig Zadan and Neil Meron) are counting on for the extravaganza at the Dolby Theater. You can bet there will be a lot of Ted shtick
“We are thrilled to have Seth MacFarlane host the Oscars. His performing skills blend perfectly with our ideas for making the show entertaining and fresh,” said Zadan and Meron. “He will be the consummate host, and we are so happy to be working with him.”
“It’s truly an overwhelming privilege to be asked to host the Oscars,” said MacFarlane. “My thoughts upon hearing the news were, one, I will do my utmost to live up to the high standards set forth by my predecessors; and two, I hope they don’t find out I hosted the Charlie Sheen roast.”
“Seth is unbelievably talented,” said Academy president Hawk Koch. “We couldn’t be happier with the creative team we’ve assembled. With Craig, Neil and now Seth, we’re off to a great start.”
MacFarlane made his feature directorial debut this summer with the box office success, Ted, featuring superb animation from Tippett and Illoura and expert VFX produced by Jenny Fulle and her Creative Cartel. He also co-wrote and produced the film, and voiced the title character. Ted has brought in over $420 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year. No wonder Universal has green-lit a sequel. MacFarlane actually studied animation at Rhode Island School of Design instead of choosing to attend CalArts.
MacFarlane is the creative force behind the television series Family Guy and co-creator of American Dad! and The Cleveland Show. In September he hosted Saturday Night Live for the first time, for the show’s 38th season premiere. An accomplished live performer, he has played to sold-out audiences at London’s Royal Albert Hall and New York’s Carnegie Hall. In 2011 MacFarlane released his debut album, Music Is Better than Words, which earned two Grammy nominations. He also has earned 13 Emmy nominations and won two for his work on Family Guy.